Garden Route Biosphere Reserve Strategy Workshops Nov 2015
Biosphere Reserves and their unique ecosystems are places where people and nature coexist and interact in ways that are sustainable.
The UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve program specifically involves people in conserving,
managing and preserving biodiversity, while at the same time meeting livelihood needs.
An effective biosphere reserve requires a Framework Plan for sustainable, integrated natural resource management and development.
All stakeholders must participate in the development of this – conservation groups, landowners, tourism, development bodies, management authorities, spatial planning and local communities – in order that outcomes and opportunities can be identified and management strategies developed for future implementation.
The following strategy documents will contribute to the development of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve Framework Plan.
We therefore would value your participation at a strategy development workshop for the following focus areas:
- Environmental education and research
- Socio-economic development
- Marketing and communications
- Project prioritization and access to funding
As a stakeholder living and operating in the (proposed) Garden Route Biosphere Reserve and in order that these workshops are productive, it would be most helpful if you could the bring with you to these workshops, existing management strategies, acts, surveys, policy documents and research that may be used as tools for determining, identifying, promoting, encouraging and enhancing initiatives and opportunities in the area.
In closing, pivotal to the UNESCO designation of a Garden Route Biosphere Reserve is your support, enthusiasm and commitment.
The value of the biosphere concept lies in its ability to inclusively bridge the environmental and socioeconomic issues that we face, by applying innovative methods to solve problems by creating benefits for all.
Letters endorsing your support for the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve can be brought to these workshops. UNESCO requires that we submit two “wet ink” letters of support from organisations, government bodies and individuals with the application.
View the dates for these meets here:
Plettenberg Bay – 11 November 2015
Tsitsikamma & Koukamma – 11 November 2015